Memory Foam Mattress Buying Guide

What is memory foam?

Memory foam is a viscoelastic material that adjusts and conforms to the contours of the shape pressed
against it. Visco (thick, resistance to change) elastic (returning to shape after distortion).

The difference between memory foam and regular foam is the character of response. Regular foam will return
to shape immediately and can be likened to the inserts in a couch cushion. In contrast, memory foam has a much
higher capacity to adjust to pressure and contours of the body.

You can benefit from memory foam if you are uncomfortable in a spring mattress, toss and turn at night, have
back, shoulder, or neck pain, or if you need additional pressure relief and comfort to help you sleep.

The feel of memory foam is determined by three things that include Density, Firmness, and layer
thickness.

What's the real history of memory foam?

Memory foam was originally developed for NASA by a company called EAR Specialty Composites. The resulting
CONFOR Foam is a slow recovery foam that's used to protect components from damage by dampening impacts. NASA
saw the advantages of supporting and protecting their astronauts during launch and re-entry.

Following that realization, the use of memory foam in the seating and instrument protection spread to nearly
all aircraft, especially in military aircraft such as jets and helicopters where pilots are subjected to high
g-forces.

Later, once production resulted in pricing that made it affordable, engineers made some modifications to the
foam composition and translated it for use in the bedding industry.

Density: Facts and fiction

Density is a measure of weight (pounds per cubic foot). Many densities are available that usually range from
3lb to 7lb. The ideal density and industry standard is between 4lb to 5.3lb which is what Tempurpedic and
Amerisleep use.

The difference between lower density foam and higher density foam is the memory characteristics. Lower
densities will have less of a "memory" to the foam when compared to higher density foam.

Typically, denser foams greater than 5.3lb will cause the user to feel more "stuck" in the mattress when
compared to the alternative - mattress that uses foam between 4lb and 5.3lb.

FACTS

Density affects memory characteristics

Affects cost of the mattress

Ideal density and industry standard is between 4-5.3lb

Denser foams will cause the user to feel more "stuck" in the mattress

FICTION

Higher density is always better

All density is created the same

Density is a reliable indicator of quality

Density is the only factor that affects the comfort.

How to choose the best firmness

Since the firmness of memory foam fluctuates depending on temperature, the best way to measure firmness is
based on the thickness of the support and thickness of a memory foam layer on top.

You're probably asking yourself, "So what firmness is right for me?"

The best way to
determine the right firmness is
to start by deciding how your current mattress either satisfies or causes discomfort. From there, check your
sleeping position. Consider your body's shape and match it with the correct firmness to give you proper spinal
alignment.

Of course, you may find that your taste is different. That's okay! From plush to firm, we've selected the
ideal range of choices to satisfy any comfort need.

THE BEST FIRMNESS

Consider your body's shape and match it with the proper firmness to give you proper and natural spinal
alignment.

How thick should a memory foam mattress be?

In addition to the density, the feel of a mattress, despite many advertisements and marketing schemes, is
based on the ratio and firmness of memory foam and supporting layers.

Based on consumer reviews and ratings, we've found that the ideal mattress will have between 2" and 7" of
memory foam on top of the support layer. Typically, with a thicker layer of memory foam, you'll experience a
softer feel. With a thinner layer, you'll be closer to the support layer resulting in a firmer feel.

IFD: What this should mean to you

Indentation Force Deflection (IFD) is the amount of force, in pounds, that is needed to indent a round
indenter foot into a foam sample a certain percent of the total thickness. Essentially, the machine that
measures the IFD is measuring the perceived firmness of the sample. As the "foot" presses down into the foam,
it measures the resistance and how much force is required to press the sample downward. Higher ratings (such as
30+) are firmer while a lower rating (25 or less) is softer.

Simply put, the IFD rating of the foam will determine the feel of the mattress. A higher number translates
to a firmer feel while a lower number produces softer feel. However, it is not a complete measurement of a
"soft" or "firm" feel. A higher IFD rating of a lower
density foam can feel soft when
compressed.

So why do you care about the IFD?

You care because it's a measure of firmness, usually associated with layers in the mattress. A higher number
is firmer while a lower number is softer.

IFD's Effect on Firmness

A higher number is firmer while a lower number is softer.

Is it time to replace your foundation / box spring?

Good news! You may be able to use your existing foundation so long as the following is true:

No more than 8-10 years old

Has a steady, flat surface

No springs

Solid construction (no cracks/splinters/breaks)

You wouldn't buy a new car with old shocks. A foundation helps prevent sagging. So it's important to
maintain a quality supportive surface for your mattress. Don't risk the durability and warranty of the
mattress.

This offer only applies to the Colonial Bed. Reduced prices cannot be applied retroactively to purchases made prior to the start of this sale or to purchases made after the end of this sale. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer.